well, if it were me, I think the first thing I would try it putting it where you have the table and chairs. I would face it toward the window and have the L on the opposite side. Or face the wall that now has a cage. Put the tv where the cage is. This eliminates a lot of your movement issues and kinda acts like a divider between living room and dining. You will not always be carrying your food across your living area to eat at your table. I would then put the shoes in something next to the entry or the sliding glass doors ( my husband and I have never been great at deeply put aways either) So we use a large basket or even a plastic bin without the lid. Move the dog's bed over by the living area. Put book shelves or china cabinet behind or beside the couch. wooh, done for the night. enjoy.